How to organise a white poppy ceremony

Would you like to see white poppies at your local remembrance event? Would you like to organise a white poppy ceremony from scratch? Here is how to get started.

White poppies feature in a growing number of remembrance occasions around the UK every year. Whether they form the central focus of events, or feature alongside red poppies or poppies of other colours, white poppies are a vital reminder of the need to remember all victims of war on Remembrance Day, both civilian and military, and to build an active culture of peace.

Ceremonies featuring white poppies broadly fall into two groups:

  • Mainstream or official ceremonies, usually organised by local councils, the Royal British Legion or community organisations, which tend to feature white poppies alongside red poppies
  • Independent or alternative ceremonies which focus mainly on the white poppy, usually organised by peace and community groups or individuals

Below you will find information and advice on planning both kinds of ceremony. This has been collected with the help of local organisers with many years' experience.

This page will evolve as a we get more input and advice from organisers. If you have any feedback or would like further help organising a ceremony, please get in touch at mail@ppu.org.uk

First some homework

If you're planning an independent or alternative ceremony, where will you hold it? And will you need permission? If you're planning a small ceremony, then you may be able to just go ahead, as long as the time doesn't clash with another event. If you're planning something larger in a public space, you may need to contact the local council to ask or inform them. Rules will vary from place to place, so check the council's website - and see below for advice on making enquiries.

If you'd like white poppies to be included in an official or mainstream event, you may need to plan further in advance. Such ceremonies across the UK vary from small events at village war memorials to large ceremonies in city centres attended by politicians and other prominent figures, so the requirements will vary from place to place.

First, check what remembrance ceremony or ceremonies are usually held hear you. Who are the organisers? Smaller local ceremonies are often organised by local councils, community organisations, places of worship and the Royal British Legion. Larger civic ceremonies may also involve the mayor's office and be officially led by the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of the County. It may not be obvious who is organising a particular ceremony, in which case you will need to make enquiries - more on this below. It's a good idea to do this in plenty of time and to start with the local council.

Strength in numbers

Everything is easier when you're working with others and draw from a wider pool of knoweldge - plus it may give more weight to your enquiries if you are part of a larger group.

Are there people you know who may want to get involved? Are there local peace groups, PPU members or supporters, faith groups, Quaker Meeting Houses, community organisations or anyone else who may want to help? It may be they have tried similiar things before - or are even planning a remembrance event already.

Are there even any prominent people, such as your MP, local councillors, well-known figures or community leaders, who may lend their support? Even if you're not sure, it never hurts to ask.

We can often help make connections, so please feel free to get in touch with us for help at mail@ppu.org.uk.

Making enquiries

Official public remembrance ceremonies should be for the community, reflecting its diversity of views and approaches. When you contact organisers, public officials or prominent figures, remember that you are requesting that a longstanding tradition of remembrance, symbolised by the white poppy, is represented alongside others. Here are a few points that can help:

  • Say if you are speaking on behalf of a wider group, such a faith congregation or community group.
  • The white poppy is a tradition going back to 1933, when it was created by women affected by the First World War. It has always sought to participate in remembrance, with respect for all those affected by war.
  • The white poppy commemorates both civilian and military victims of war, of all nationalities. It is vitally important that civilians are not excluded from remembrance, as they are the majority of casualties in most conflicts.
  • White poppies are already included in many official remembrance events around the UK. In some places, this has been going on for many years, in coordination with local councils and other organisers.
  • If any questions about white poppies come up, it's always worth checking our FAQs page.

Feel free to contact us at mail@ppu.org.uk if you'd like any more thoughts or suggestions on making enquiries.

Planning the details

Once you've found a date, time and place, here are a few ideas and pointers on planning the event. You may want to ask speakers, plan readings, or include other elements like a procession, music or a film screening. Or you can keep it simple - a simple vigil with a wreath laying and a period of silence can be extremely powerful.

  • Keep in touch - Let us know what you're planning as soon as you can, so we can add them to our events page. Email mail@ppu.org.uk with the key details and any more information about the theme or speakers. And of course, feel free to reach out with any questions on planning the event.
  • Spread the word - Consider making a flyer for the event and posting about it on social media. You can add it to community notice boards and WhatsApp groups. Some local groups write to their local paper or approach local media for coverage in advance. Also consider inviting people individually, including your local MP or councillors.
  • Make a white poppy wreath - or several! A wreath is the main visual part of a ceremony, which gives the white poppy a presence both during and after the event. You can order a white poppy wreath kit on our shop or have a look at our guide on making a white poppy wreath from scratch. You could also consider taking a box of white poppies to the ceremony, so attendees and passers by can get them on the day.
  • Centring the victims of war - When planning readings, speakers and other contributions, how can you include the voices of those directly affected by war? Their lived experience should be at the centre of remembrance. There may be people attending who have direct experience of conflict. You can find readings and testimonies about civilians killed in war from Every Casualty Counts, whose online Memorial commemorates the lives of more than 100 people killed in recent conflicts.
  • Accessiblity and diversity - Make sure to consider both the accessibilty of the event and the diversity or voices included, especially if you're planning a more complex event with speakers and a budget. This check list for organising an event by BAMEed is a helpful starting point.
  • Two minutes' silence - Consider when to include this crucial moment for reflection. It usually comes after speeches and before the laying of wreaths.
  • Photos and video - Make sure to arrange someone in advance to take photos and/or video of the event. After the event, make time to share these with others and on social media. We would love to see any photos or video, and to post them on the PPU's social media. Please send them to mail@ppu.org.uk or by WeTransfer.

Most importantly, on the day, remember that you are standing up for the meaning of the white poppy: remembrance for all victims of war, challenging militarism and a commitment to peace.

Simply by wearing a white poppy and conducting the occasion with care and respect, you show that this tradition is a valuable and deeply heartfelt form of remembrance, which is treasured by many people across the UK and beyond.